Steelers Coach McCarthy Discusses Talks with Rodgers About Potential Return

Former Packers coach says Rodgers is in normal offseason process of decompressing after season.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:07pm

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New Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy revealed that he has spoken with quarterback Aaron Rodgers multiple times about the possibility of Rodgers returning to the team next season. McCarthy said Rodgers is currently in the normal offseason process of stepping away and decompressing after the season, and that's the extent of their conversations so far regarding Rodgers' future.

Why it matters

Rodgers' future with the Steelers remains uncertain after his first season with the team, and his potential return or departure would have major implications for the franchise's outlook. As a Super Bowl-winning coach with Rodgers in Green Bay, McCarthy's insight into Rodgers' mindset is valuable as the team navigates the quarterback's offseason decision-making.

The details

McCarthy, who was hired as the Steelers' new head coach after previously leading the Green Bay Packers, said he has spoken to Rodgers "a number of times" about the quarterback's potential return to Pittsburgh next season. However, McCarthy noted that Rodgers is currently focused on his normal offseason routine of stepping away from the game to decompress, and that's the extent of their conversations so far regarding Rodgers' future.

  • On Friday, McCarthy discussed his talks with Rodgers on 'The Pat McAfee Show'.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously won a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who played his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 after spending most of his career with the Green Bay Packers.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, I've spoken to Aaron a number of times. I think just like anybody that's played the game, particularly at this point in their career, it's important to get away. That's a normal process that all of these players do, to decompress and step away from the season. That's the mindset he's in, and that's as far as our conversations have gone as far as if he's coming back or not coming back. It's important for him to do the things he normally does; stepping away and making those decisions.”

— Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach (The Pat McAfee Show)

What’s next

The Steelers and their fans will have to wait to see if Rodgers decides to return to the team for the 2026 season after taking time to decompress this offseason.

The takeaway

McCarthy's comments suggest Rodgers is still weighing his options for next season, but the coach's prior success working with the veteran quarterback in Green Bay could be a positive sign for the Steelers if Rodgers ultimately chooses to continue his NFL career in Pittsburgh.